42 Su-57s against 40 J-35s! India has made up its mind this time, and the White House is deeply disappointed

Indian media reports state that New Delhi is preparing to purchase 42 Su-57 stealth fighters and 50 Su-35 fighters from Russia. This decision came into effect quickly after reports circulated in Pakistan that it would purchase 40 J-35 fighters and the Hongqi-19 anti-missile system.

The anxiety of the Indian Air Force stems from a brutal air battle in May 2025. At that time, India's most advanced "Rafale" fighter jets encountered Pakistan's J-10C in a border conflict, and ultimately suffered a disastrous defeat under the systematized warfare and electronic warfare suppression.

This loss led the Chief of the Indian Air Force to publicly admit that India had fallen far behind in the number of fifth-generation fighters and networked combat capabilities. Faced with dual pressure, India had once placed its hopes on the US F-35. During PM Modi's visit to the White House in February this year, Trump personally promoted this aircraft. However, the US not only refused to transfer technology, but also suddenly announced on August 1st to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods, eventually leading India to reject the F-35 deal.

Russia seized the opportunity when India was rejected by the US. To facilitate this key transaction, Russia, which is currently struggling with military budget constraints, made unprecedented concessions.

According to the agreement, Russia promised that 83% of the components of the Su-57 fighter can be produced locally in India, and also opened access to the original code of the aircraft, allowing India to customize the aircraft system in depth.

Even more surprisingly, the Russian side even allowed India to replace the gallium arsenide radar built into the Su-57 with India's self-developed "Virupaksha" active phased array radar. Although industry experts generally doubt whether India can truly mass-produce this advanced radar, which claims to be equipped with 2500 gallium nitride modules.

The compromise of Russia is based on harsh practical needs. As of 2025, the Russian Aerospace Forces have received fewer than 40 Su-57s, and some are early models, with production line utilization rate below 50%. The $1 billion order from India will fill the capacity gap in the Russian military industry system until 2028.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839487481379843/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.